Strawberry Tea

‘This year group has got it right,’ announced Mrs Darwin to our departing Year 11s as they gathered together for one of Thornton’s loveliest traditions – a delicious afternoon tea to celebrate the GCSE girls’ rite of passage at the term’s end.

‘You’ve all been on a journey,’ she continued. ‘Some of you have been here since Nursery while others have joined you along the way. But every one of you has grown and blossomed into confident, self-assured young ladies through the things you have learnt and the service you have given.’ She added: ‘Keep close to your hearts everything you have treasured about Thornton.’

The celebration saw Emily A and Georgia L deliver a heartfelt speech to thank the teachers as well as the Thornton staff behind the scenes and the girls each received a Jesus and Mary badge from Sister Mary Jane and Sister Claudine. It means they are now part of the Jesus and Mary community which loops right across the world.